I'm going to structure this blog post like I do my newsletters over at the clubhouse - I usually start with a personal letter and dive into categories that hopefully put us in a feel-good vibe. I think we all need a bit of that right now.
Here's my letter to you: You're doing the best you can and that is the best thing you can do right now. We're all living in a new reality. It's new and it's very, very real. This reality is scary. I want to remind you that this is not a movie, it's not a quick fix. I mean that about you. You are not expected to adjust into this reality overnight. You're no final girl, no Superman. You are human. And you need to take all the time you need to cope.
If you need some help along the way, keep reading. I got some stuff for ya!
Take More Breaks Than Usual
Get up and walk around frequently.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Get up and walk around frequently.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Use your breaks to refill your water! And keep your cup at arm’s reach so you can sip throughout the day.
You Don’t Need to be Aesthetic or Have a Pet to Crush This
You’re crushing it just by getting through each day.
Take Advantage of Virtual Socializing
I suggest playing games, having a drink, or just catching each other up.
Or Not, If That Makes You Uneasy
If the situation is overwhelming and you don’t feel cheery enough to hang, don’t. Just reach out if you’re especially anxious.
Get (Somewhat) Dressed For the Day
When work calls, get dressed (even if it’s just a different sweatshirt than the one you slept in) so you can feel put-together.
Make Takeout the Minority
If you need takeout (or not feeling well some days) please tip kindly.
Limit Your News Consumption
Maybe check 1-2 times a day, but the obsessive update checking is unhealthy.
Consume Something Extracurricular
Maybe turn on your favorite song and sing along! Make sure you put that fun time in.
Micro or Not, Plan Your Days
Keep structure so you don’t burn out when things transition back to “normal”.
Talk Through It
Discuss the situation if you need to vent.
Be Patient
Make the most of it by being patient and productive because that’s all we can do right now.
Log Off
Give your brain a break after a certain hour.
Change Your Perspective (To Your Best Ability)
Make compromises with those you live with because it’s going to be shared for a while.
Quit the Debates
Check your news sources and quit arguing about things we really don’t know 100% about.
Not Understanding is OK
Best not to dwell on the paranoia and do what’s best for yourself. If you’re focusing on health and safety, then you’re doing great.
Each Day is Different
Take it one day at a time and keep trying. Every new experience takes adjustment.
Despite the Distance, Remember Community
Remember communities still exist no matter where you are. Stay in. Recognize you’re helping just by doing that.
You Don’t Need to be Aesthetic or Have a Pet to Crush This
You’re crushing it just by getting through each day.
Take Advantage of Virtual Socializing
I suggest playing games, having a drink, or just catching each other up.
Or Not, If That Makes You Uneasy
If the situation is overwhelming and you don’t feel cheery enough to hang, don’t. Just reach out if you’re especially anxious.
Get (Somewhat) Dressed For the Day
When work calls, get dressed (even if it’s just a different sweatshirt than the one you slept in) so you can feel put-together.
Make Takeout the Minority
If you need takeout (or not feeling well some days) please tip kindly.
Limit Your News Consumption
Maybe check 1-2 times a day, but the obsessive update checking is unhealthy.
Consume Something Extracurricular
Maybe turn on your favorite song and sing along! Make sure you put that fun time in.
Micro or Not, Plan Your Days
Keep structure so you don’t burn out when things transition back to “normal”.
Talk Through It
Discuss the situation if you need to vent.
Be Patient
Make the most of it by being patient and productive because that’s all we can do right now.
Log Off
Give your brain a break after a certain hour.
Change Your Perspective (To Your Best Ability)
Make compromises with those you live with because it’s going to be shared for a while.
Quit the Debates
Check your news sources and quit arguing about things we really don’t know 100% about.
Not Understanding is OK
Best not to dwell on the paranoia and do what’s best for yourself. If you’re focusing on health and safety, then you’re doing great.
Each Day is Different
Take it one day at a time and keep trying. Every new experience takes adjustment.
Despite the Distance, Remember Community
Remember communities still exist no matter where you are. Stay in. Recognize you’re helping just by doing that.
YouTube videos, reading through my TBR, creating content online… During hard times, turn to your favorite artists and get your creative flow moving!
Daily Yoga (App)
I’m using the free trial, but I absolutely love it so far! The curated challenges are perfect for indoor exercising and the levels are ideal for all. Ian even joined a session!
Eating Home Cooked Meals
And they're full of feel-good ingredients to keep my body happy during this low-activity time.
Daily Yoga (App)
I’m using the free trial, but I absolutely love it so far! The curated challenges are perfect for indoor exercising and the levels are ideal for all. Ian even joined a session!
Eating Home Cooked Meals
And they're full of feel-good ingredients to keep my body happy during this low-activity time.
2. Avocados - Keep ‘em in the fridge so they ripen slower.
3. Cliff Bars - There's a coffee collection that is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
4. Spinach - I throw a bunch into everything. Pastas, scrambles, sandwiches are a few.
5. Potatoes - Cause duh! Potatoes can be made in a million different ways.
My TBR pile
Fresh basil from my indoor Aerogarden
Tons of clean water from my Brita
Weekly virtual hangouts with friends
Animal videos on Tik Tok
True crime series on Netflix
Bananagrams with Ian!
Fresh basil from my indoor Aerogarden
Tons of clean water from my Brita
Weekly virtual hangouts with friends
Animal videos on Tik Tok
True crime series on Netflix
Bananagrams with Ian!
Digital art classes on Skillshare
My desk by a large window
Pandemics to Homer to Stephen King - The Conversation
Getting Through Bad Days - A Considered Life
19 Bizarre Wikipedia Pages You'll Want to Read Next Time You're Bored - Buzzfeed
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Gameplay - ZackScottGames
If you need to chat, I'm here and I mean it! Find me on Instagram or at the clubhouse on Patreon. If you ever wanted to support my work, now would be the best time. I live in NYC and our jobs are no longer stable. Ian and I can be laid off at any given time. But I'm not giving up on our community here! So head over to Patreon if you'd like to help out - my tiers don't go over the price of a coffee. And thank you so much if you decide to join the clubhouse. Stay safe.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Gameplay - ZackScottGames
If you need to chat, I'm here and I mean it! Find me on Instagram or at the clubhouse on Patreon. If you ever wanted to support my work, now would be the best time. I live in NYC and our jobs are no longer stable. Ian and I can be laid off at any given time. But I'm not giving up on our community here! So head over to Patreon if you'd like to help out - my tiers don't go over the price of a coffee. And thank you so much if you decide to join the clubhouse. Stay safe.
If you’ve been keeping up with me on Instagram you’ll know that I officially transitioned to a vegan lifestyle at the start of 2020. There’s a lot of interest and curiosity about my choice so I’m here to be 100% honest about my experience so far!
Disclaimer: Everything I mention in this post is unbiased, unfiltered, and non-judgmental.
And to preface, I’ve eaten and loved all sorts of meats and dairy products my entire life. Not a single meal went without it. So no, I haven’t forgotten what those products taste like and I can attest to what I compare them to below.
I want to be as transparent as I always am with you! My hope is that this may be helpful or informative.
Food for thought: Most Americans consume too much protein.
People are more judgmental and sensitive to the word vegan than I imagined.
Fruits and vegetables are delicious.
Sauces are underutilized.
The meat and dairy industry have tricked me.
Vegan cheese has come a LONG way.
Protein deficiency is a myth. Fiber is what we need.
Disclaimer: Everything I mention in this post is unbiased, unfiltered, and non-judgmental.
And to preface, I’ve eaten and loved all sorts of meats and dairy products my entire life. Not a single meal went without it. So no, I haven’t forgotten what those products taste like and I can attest to what I compare them to below.
I want to be as transparent as I always am with you! My hope is that this may be helpful or informative.
Why Did I Go Vegan
Let’s start with the most popular question. I choose to live a vegan lifestyle for ethical, environmental, and health reasons. If you’re interested in any of these reasons, there are plenty of reliable resources out there! Send an Instagram DM if you want me to send anything to you.How Does It Feel?
It feels fantastic. I have a lot more energy and I’ve stopped waking up feeling intensely groggy. I don’t feel deprived, hungry, or weak. I hardly get stomach pains or bathroom issues (TMI?). And I have fallen in love with food again! I eat far more vegetables than I ever have in my life. That's something I always wanted to do and I never actually did it until now.Is it a Difficult Switch?
I went vegan overnight and never looked back. It might just be me, but it was not a difficult switch! Vegan substitutes are a huge help. My husband Ian, who is also now vegan, took a while to accept the change. It was not physically challenging; he was simply not willing to give up meat and cheese. But then he decided he was in charge of his life, not animal products. He hasn't had an issue since that decision.Do you Miss Meat?
Mostly no! I get triggered when I smell certain meats, like fried chicken. But so far I have no desire to eat it.What About Dairy?
I never liked cow’s milk. I’ve been using milk alternatives in my coffee for over 6 years. Cheese? Not an issue with the incredible vegan cheese options out there. Yes, I know very well what real cheese tastes like. Yes, vegan cheeses are impressively similar these days. There were not several years ago, but they are now. I do admit that I miss burrata, but it’s no big deal!Where are you Getting your Protein?
I track my meals using a food diary app and I consume my daily serving of protein just fine. I get it from green vegetables, nuts, almond butter, peas, beans, chickpeas (including chickpea pasta), lentils, quinoa, seeds, tofu, tempeh, and grain bread.Food for thought: Most Americans consume too much protein.
Is Vegan Expensive?
I’d say it’s cheaper! I’ve stopped ordering takeout altogether, which was the #1 reason why my bank account was suffering. Seriously. I was spending several hundreds of dollars in takeout and dining each month. Plant-based foods (like those mentioned in the previous section) are all dirt cheap at the grocery. If you’re asking about vegan alternatives, those are priced around the same as their non-vegan versions. The exceptions are some fancy vegan cheeses and meats, but are we forgetting that brie and wagyu aren’t cheap either?Are you Vegan For Life?
Yep!Do you Think Vegan is Economically Possible for Everyone?
I can’t confidently say yes because I don’t know the economic stand point for every country. Accessibility and prices range everywhere. But if you have access to affordable vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and grains, you have what you need for a vegan diet. Where I live, meat and dairy are not substantially cheaper than plant-based ingredients. And organic does not necessarily matter - frozen products work just fine.The Hardest Part
To be completely honest… telling family/friends that I'm vegan and dealing with mockery is the hardest part. My diet is mentioned constantly, questioned constantly, ridiculed constantly. The trickiest part is that the comments come from “close ones”! At this point, I try to avoid the topic altogether. I don’t mention that I’m vegan if I don’t have to. When I’m mocked, I try to defend myself in the most polite way. And I guess it’s still a learning progress.The Easiest Part
The easiest part about being vegan is eating good as heck food! I’ve had more delicious dishes than not while being vegan. I look forward to every single meal and savor every bite. And discovering vegan eats in NYC is a ton of fun! It’s like experiencing food all over again.Staple Ingredients to Keep Handy
If you want to see some of my favorite recipes, I’ve posted a YouTube video here! But you definitely want to keep these on hand: tofu, beans, lentils, grains, stocks, a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs (if you can access it), and condiments. Think about your favorite foods and stock up on vegan versions of it.Things I’ve Learned
It’s easier than I thought.People are more judgmental and sensitive to the word vegan than I imagined.
Fruits and vegetables are delicious.
Sauces are underutilized.
The meat and dairy industry have tricked me.
Vegan cheese has come a LONG way.
Protein deficiency is a myth. Fiber is what we need.
Should I Tell-All?
If you want to know more about the vegan lifestyle or anything I specific changes I've made in my life, please let me know! I am more than happy to share as much information as possible. If you're looking to go vegan and need help, I'm here for you. Good luck and thanks for reading!
I'm back with another foodie review! Thrive Market has been gaining popularity online, mainly on YouTube, so I decided to make a purchase to see what the deal is with this grocery service. I bought this box with my own money and everything mentioned below is 100% honest and personal to my experience with Thrive Market. I'm going to break down my review in easy and precise points.
Thrive Market is an online grocery store that offers competitive pricing and a curated shopping experience based on your lifestyle. Their mission encourages good quality and environmentally friendly groceries at a lower price than your average grocery store.
What do they offer?
Because it’s a grocery service, there’s no limit to how much you buy or what is included in the package. Free shipping kicks in at $49.
Their groceries are extensive:
Thrive Market brand goods
Food, Meat, Seafood
Wine
Vitamins & Supplements
Beauty & Skincare
Children, Home, & Pet Items
There is an annual $59.95 membership fee that they will credit you in difference if you don’t save more than that in the year (which implies they’re sure you’ll save more). If you want extra savings, click here for 25% off your first order.
Speaking of savings, they offer a highly competitive price on items which leads you to saving money in general.
The more you buy, the more “Thrive Cash” you earn, which is essentially reward dollars to use for future purchases. And the more you buy in bulk, the more rewards unlock. So if you spend $50 at a time, they will offer you a free sample of your choice! If you spend more, the rewards keep adding.
Perks don’t stop there. You can even earn “Thrive Cash” for simply leaving reviews on items you purchased.
Lastly, they offer weekly curated deals that range from coupons to free shipping and more.
Basics
Packaging: They use all recyclable packaging. There was no insulation in my box, but that’s because I purchased shelf-stable items. There’s an invoice sheet to easily account for your items. From bottles and jars to bags and cans, nothing was damaged in the packaging they used.
Product Availability: There is a LOT on this website. You’re not going to find fresh fruit and vegetables, but there’s a large variety of fun, unique, and quality shelf-stable items. I’m very impressed with selections that are not food related, though I did not purchase anything aside from food.
Easy to use? Thrive Market has an incredible website/app. The filters make it easy to find exactly what you need and the design makes it easy to navigate. Reordering, looking at past orders, and seeing favorite items is seamless. I genuinely have a good time scrolling on the site, which is something rare (or impossible) to find in the grocery world. Let’s be honest.
Savings: There are legit savings happening here. There’s a hit or miss on some products, which is to be expected. Overall, nearly everything I purchased on Thrive Market has been cheaper than my local grocery or Target.
Packaging: They use all recyclable packaging. There was no insulation in my box, but that’s because I purchased shelf-stable items. There’s an invoice sheet to easily account for your items. From bottles and jars to bags and cans, nothing was damaged in the packaging they used.
Product Availability: There is a LOT on this website. You’re not going to find fresh fruit and vegetables, but there’s a large variety of fun, unique, and quality shelf-stable items. I’m very impressed with selections that are not food related, though I did not purchase anything aside from food.
Easy to use? Thrive Market has an incredible website/app. The filters make it easy to find exactly what you need and the design makes it easy to navigate. Reordering, looking at past orders, and seeing favorite items is seamless. I genuinely have a good time scrolling on the site, which is something rare (or impossible) to find in the grocery world. Let’s be honest.
Savings: There are legit savings happening here. There’s a hit or miss on some products, which is to be expected. Overall, nearly everything I purchased on Thrive Market has been cheaper than my local grocery or Target.
Don't forget that you can get an extra 25% off here!
Let’s talk groceries! I’m only going to review specific Thrive Market brand items, because other items simply wouldn’t apply to a review of Thrive Market.
Organic Canned Pumpkin
Very basic and delicious pumpkin! I used it as a base for soup and it came out fantastic. Price: $1.99
Vegan Parmesan Style Cheese Alternative
This is an impressive cheese alternative. I’d say one of my favorites, honestly. I cannot tell it’s not vegan. I use it on top of pizzas and pastas. Price: $3.74
Vegan Mayonnaise
For sure a mayo-tasting mayo! I use it for tofu egg salad and burgers. I cannot tell the difference from actual mayo and I love the spout for easy pouring. I will say it’s a bit pricier for the amount in the bag but it’s still cheaper than most competitive vegan mayos. Price: $5.24
Value Breakdown
I ordered a total of 15 items for $39, plus a free sample! This is not typical - they were offering a Black Friday sale which gave me extra earnings. But that being said, Thrive Market tracks my savings and estimated that I saved $40 on this order. Doing the math, that sounds about right! Especially living in an urban area like NYC. You’ll need to check their pricing and see if the discounts are equal to what prices are like in your area.
Make sure to save an extra 25% off your first order if you're interested in trying Thrive Market.
Verdict
This is a fantastic grocery service unlike any other. The prices are truly dependant on your area, but for me it offers great deals. If you look at the Thrive Cash, weekly curated sales, extremely convenient navigation, quality items, and environmentally friendly packaging, there’s no question Thrive Market is a great tool and place to shop. No other grocery store will offer that many rewards. For that, I highly recommend checking Thrive Market out!
Verdict
This is a fantastic grocery service unlike any other. The prices are truly dependant on your area, but for me it offers great deals. If you look at the Thrive Cash, weekly curated sales, extremely convenient navigation, quality items, and environmentally friendly packaging, there’s no question Thrive Market is a great tool and place to shop. No other grocery store will offer that many rewards. For that, I highly recommend checking Thrive Market out!
Because I went through a rough time at the end of 2019, it felt right to set goals going into 2020. I'm not the type of person to create goals at the start of a new year, but this time I need to.
Honesty ramble: I have been struggling with creativity, balance, and holding myself accountable for the million things I am responsible for. I admit that I set standards way too high and I could easily pull back to make things easier for myself. But it's not the kind of person I am. It's not going to help my self-confidence. And I have the drive to keep going! I just need to get back into a steady stream.
I am setting three goals. Just three. This is most practical for me and I'm not trying to set myself up for disaster, ya feel me?
Below is a list of my goals and potential plans to execute them. If you're sharing any of my goals, let's do this together! I'm going to add a group collaboration call under each goal. Please do reach out and comment/DM on Instagram/chat with me anywhere so we can support each other.
Execution Plan: We're cutting costs by not going out as often. We used to go out to eat/drink nearly every day. We plan to cut that to 1-2x a week at most. We're also saving by comparing costs before making any purchases.
Predicted Result: Money will go mainly to groceries and social time will be cut down significantly. Which is what I need for my health, honestly!
Let's Team Up!
If you're trying to save money in 2020, let's chat. We can support each other by using a hashtag or group chat.
Execution Plan: I need to stop stressing about work! And I need to spend less time there. I'll use my bullet journal to section days in three parts so I can schedule work, Pies n' Prose, and personal goals equally. I'm going to be strict about not letting work take over. Be strong, Sarah!
Predicted Result: I will initially panic about work not getting done, but eventually I will care less. I will go home earlier, which is needed. It'll free time up for Pies n' Prose, which will reopen my creative flow! And finally, I can just relax during any free time.
Let's Team Up!
If you're trying to create balance or work less in 2020, let's chat. We can support each other by using a hashtag or group chat.
Execution Plan: The first step is to cut out red meat, which I've done already! Next, lean meats, fish, and eggs. Finally, CHEESE. All the while, I'll be looking for satisfying alternatives and adding lots of vegetables to my meals. I'm currently using apps to help with food diary entries and recipes.
Predicted Result: Eventually, I will become vegan! This is my hope. It may take several years, but it's okay. I'm excited about this journey!
Let's Team Up!
If you're trying to go vegan/plant-based in 2020, let's chat. We can support each other by using a hashtag or group chat. I've also started a Pinterest board for this!
Not gonna lie, this was more personal than expected. But I really wanted to share my goals and struggles. I think it's important to be open with you about why I've gone silent at the end of 2019. I also think this is the best time to support each other with the arrival of a new DECADE. I love ya'll so much. If you're struggling or working on any goals and need encouragement, please reach out. I'm here for you as much as you're here for me. Happy New Year, friends.
(p.s. I've got new videos coming to YouTube! The first being a fun Q&A. If you've got questions about 2020 goals or anything else, send them over!)
Honesty ramble: I have been struggling with creativity, balance, and holding myself accountable for the million things I am responsible for. I admit that I set standards way too high and I could easily pull back to make things easier for myself. But it's not the kind of person I am. It's not going to help my self-confidence. And I have the drive to keep going! I just need to get back into a steady stream.
I am setting three goals. Just three. This is most practical for me and I'm not trying to set myself up for disaster, ya feel me?
Below is a list of my goals and potential plans to execute them. If you're sharing any of my goals, let's do this together! I'm going to add a group collaboration call under each goal. Please do reach out and comment/DM on Instagram/chat with me anywhere so we can support each other.
Save Money
Why: This is a common goal but I'm really focusing on it this year! We need a new car, mainly. Our current car is dying a slow death. I am also thinking of a career shift and I'd like to have some financial security in case I decide to make that shift.Execution Plan: We're cutting costs by not going out as often. We used to go out to eat/drink nearly every day. We plan to cut that to 1-2x a week at most. We're also saving by comparing costs before making any purchases.
Predicted Result: Money will go mainly to groceries and social time will be cut down significantly. Which is what I need for my health, honestly!
Let's Team Up!
If you're trying to save money in 2020, let's chat. We can support each other by using a hashtag or group chat.
Regaining Balance
Why: I take work home. I stress about work. I neglect Pies n' Prose and downtime for work. I need my life to shift back to equal parts work, Pies n' Prose, and personal time.Execution Plan: I need to stop stressing about work! And I need to spend less time there. I'll use my bullet journal to section days in three parts so I can schedule work, Pies n' Prose, and personal goals equally. I'm going to be strict about not letting work take over. Be strong, Sarah!
Predicted Result: I will initially panic about work not getting done, but eventually I will care less. I will go home earlier, which is needed. It'll free time up for Pies n' Prose, which will reopen my creative flow! And finally, I can just relax during any free time.
Let's Team Up!
If you're trying to create balance or work less in 2020, let's chat. We can support each other by using a hashtag or group chat.
Going Plant-Based/Vegan
Why: For health and environmental reasons! I love my body and I love the planet. I want to treat them better.Execution Plan: The first step is to cut out red meat, which I've done already! Next, lean meats, fish, and eggs. Finally, CHEESE. All the while, I'll be looking for satisfying alternatives and adding lots of vegetables to my meals. I'm currently using apps to help with food diary entries and recipes.
Predicted Result: Eventually, I will become vegan! This is my hope. It may take several years, but it's okay. I'm excited about this journey!
Let's Team Up!
If you're trying to go vegan/plant-based in 2020, let's chat. We can support each other by using a hashtag or group chat. I've also started a Pinterest board for this!
Not gonna lie, this was more personal than expected. But I really wanted to share my goals and struggles. I think it's important to be open with you about why I've gone silent at the end of 2019. I also think this is the best time to support each other with the arrival of a new DECADE. I love ya'll so much. If you're struggling or working on any goals and need encouragement, please reach out. I'm here for you as much as you're here for me. Happy New Year, friends.
(p.s. I've got new videos coming to YouTube! The first being a fun Q&A. If you've got questions about 2020 goals or anything else, send them over!)
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